Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Chicken and Creamy Leeks


Leeks are something new to me - I don't believe I've ever eating them, but I know I've never prepared them. Leeks are related to garlic, onions, shallots and scallions, with a sweeter and less potent flavor than onions (adapted from this recipe).

Chicken and Creamy Leeks

(Yields 4 servings)

Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2-4 medium leeks
  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup half & half
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped

Directions:
  1. Thoroughly clean leeks - they can trap dirt between their layers!
  2. Cut the green (top) portion off the leeks, leaving only the white and pale green parts (you don't need the green portion for this recipe, so either discard or find another use for them). Slice leeks lengthwise, then cut into 1-inch pieces
  3. Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper and thyme
  4. Heat pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add olive oil (enough to coat pan). Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds
  5. Add chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides
  6. Once chicken breasts are cooked, transfer to a plate
  7. Add wine and deglaze the pan by simmering wine over high heat and stirring to "deglaze" the brown bits from the pan. Simmer wine until it is reduced by half - about 2 minutes
  8. Add leeks and butter, cover and simmer over medium-low heat until leeks are wilted, about 10 minutes
  9. Stir in broth and half & half and increase to medium-high heat and boil until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. 
  10. Pour leeks and cream sauce over chicken breasts and serve

Here are my cut leeks before cooking:


And here is the finished meal:


Also, this week's "box" contained:


  • Potatoes
  • 2 zucchini
  • Kohlrabi
  • Butternut squash
  • Beets
  • Celery
  • Leeks
  • Acorn squash (it's beautiful!)
  • 1 tomato
  • 1 head of garlic

Enjoy and thanks for reading!
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